Moscow, Dec. 14 (Reuters): Russia denied today that it has changed its position on Syria, trying to dampen speculation that remarks by a senior envoy point to policy differences in Moscow as the civil war turns against President Bashar al-Assad.

The US said deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov remarks showed Moscow was “finally waking up to reality”. But Russia’s foreign ministry said he had merely reiterated Moscow’s view that any resolution of the conflict in Syria must not be based on Assad’s departure.

China kids

Beijing (Reuters): A knife-wielding man slashed 22 children and an adult at an elementary school in central China on Friday, state media reported. Police arrested a man, identified as Min Yingjun, Xinhua said. It did not give further details of the extent of the injuries.

Israel minister

Jerusalem (Reuters): Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman resigned on Friday after being charged with fraud , a move that could affect January’s election in which his party was tipped to win.